U.S. patent number RE30,610 [Application Number 06/010,812] was granted by the patent office on 1981-05-12 for fluid mixing and dispensing system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Picker Corporation. Invention is credited to Robert E. Daly, Leonard W. Gacki.
United States Patent |
RE30,610 |
Gacki , et al. |
May 12, 1981 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ( Reexamination Certificate
) ** |
Fluid mixing and dispensing system
Abstract
A fluid mixing system and method is disclosed for automatically
mixing precise concentrations of photographic processing chemistry
to be used in an X-ray film processor. The system produces a fresh
batch of mixed solution whenever a previous batch has been reduced
to a predetermined minimum volume. A pair of substantially
identically constructed mixing units are provided to produce both
developer and fixer solutions for film processing. Each unit has: a
chemical supply structure for supplying chemicals from
containerized supplied; a storage and mixing tank structure which
underlies the chemical supply structure and defines a reservoir for
mixing the chemistry with water; a water input valve for
selectively introducing water under pressure into the tank
structure; control apparatus for conditionally controlling
operation of the water valve; and a chemical release assembly which
is coupled to and actuated by the water valve. The chemical release
assembly is operated by the pressure of the water as the water is
admitted through the water valve. Operation of the release assembly
causes piercing of the containers, allowing the chemistry to drain
into the reservoir. The pressurized water creates a swirl for
agitating and thoroughly mixing the chemistry and the water.
Inventors: |
Gacki; Leonard W. (White
Plains, NY), Daly; Robert E. (Farmingdale, NY) |
Assignee: |
Picker Corporation (Cleveland,
OH)
|
Family
ID: |
26681617 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/010,812 |
Filed: |
February 9, 1979 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
609957 |
Sep 3, 1975 |
04103358 |
Jul 25, 1978 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
366/153.1;
222/86; 396/625; 137/101.27; 366/167.1; 366/177.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01F
15/026 (20130101); B01F 15/0454 (20130101); B01F
15/0205 (20130101); B01F 15/0212 (20130101); G03D
3/06 (20130101); B01F 15/00155 (20130101); B01F
13/1055 (20130101); B01F 2005/002 (20130101); Y10T
137/2536 (20150401); B01F 2215/0093 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B01F
13/10 (20060101); B01F 13/10 (20060101); B01F
15/02 (20060101); B01F 15/02 (20060101); B01F
13/00 (20060101); B01F 13/00 (20060101); B01F
15/04 (20060101); B01F 15/04 (20060101); G03D
3/06 (20060101); G03D 3/06 (20060101); B01F
5/00 (20060101); B01F 5/00 (20060101); B01F
015/02 (); B01F 015/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;366/329,191,132,153,150,151,152,153,160,162,166,167,177,182
;222/80,545,83,82,63,86,83.5,57,85,81,132,133 ;137/101.25,101.27
;141/18 ;4/228 ;354/323,328 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Kodak Research Disclosure, Oct. 1973, Dispensing Apparatus 11440.
.
Operating Instructions for the Kodak Supermatic 8 Processor and
Flow Chart, Jun. 1974..
|
Primary Examiner: Jenkins; Robert W.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Watts, Hoffmann, Fisher &
Heinke Co.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fluid mixing system, comprising:
(a) a reservoir;
(b) a first fluid supply in communication with the reservoir, the
first fluid supply including a container for carrying a plurality
of vessels, the container having an opening associated with each
vessel;
(c) a fluid release assembly disposed intermediate the first fluid
supply and the reservoir, the fluid release assembly including a
piercing assembly for puncturing the vessels to release the first
fluid into the reservoir through the openings;
(d) a second fluid supply in communication with the reservoir and
the fluid release assembly, the flow of the second fluid
controlling operation of the fluid release assembly;
(e) a valve disposed intermediate the second fluid supply and the
reservoir upstream of the fluid release assembly;
(f) a valve control to control the valve and therefore the flow of
the second fluid to the fluid release assembly and the
reservoir;
(g) a liquid level control means responsive to the level of fluid
in the reservoir to activate the valve control when the fluid in
the reservoir reaches a predetermined level; and
(h) an interlock switch control means responsive to the presence of
the first fluid supply to actuate the valve control when the
vessels in the container contain a predetermined amount of
fluid.
2. A chemical replenisher system for an X-ray film processor for
mixing a developer chemical and a fixer chemical with water to
produce a developer solution and a fixer solution to be dispensed
to an X-ray film processor, comprising:
(a) a fixer tank structure;
(b) a developer tank structure;
(c) fixer supply means associated with the fixer tank structure for
providing a predetermined quantity of prepackaged fixer
chemical;
(d) developer supply means associated with the developer tank
structure for providing a predetermined quantity of prepackaged
developer chemical;
(e) fixer water input means connected to the fixer tank structure
for coupling water under pressure to the fixer tank structure;
(f) developer water input means connected to the developer tank
structure for coupling water under pressure to the developer tank
structure;
(g) a fixer chemical release structure associated with the fixer
supply means to release the fixer chemical to the fixer tank
structure;
(h) a developer chemical release structure associated with the
developer supply means to release the developer chemical to the
developer tank structure; and
(i) a control apparatus to control the operation of each chemical
release structure, the control apparatus including an interlock
mechanism actuated upon the presence of the supply means, the fixer
interlock mechanism being actuated only when the fixer supply means
is associated with the fixer tank structure and the developer
interlock mechanism being actuated only when the developer supply
means is associated with the developer tank structure.
3. The replenisher system of claim 2, the control apparatus further
including a plurality of actuating members attached to the fixer
and developer supply means for actuating the respective interlock
mechanisms.
4. The replenisher system of claim 2, wherein each control
apparatus further includes an indicator mechanism disposed within
the tank structure and connected to the control apparatus for
indicating the volume of solution in the tank structure, the water
input means being actuated only when the interlock mechanism
associated with the tank structure has been actuated and the
indicator mechanism indicates that the volume of solution in the
tank structure has decreased to a predetermined level.
5. The replenisher system of claim 4 wherein each water input means
includes a control valve, and each valve is coupled to and
controlled by the respective interlock and indicator
mechanisms.
6. The replenisher system of claim 2 wherein each tank structure
includes a support surface which engages the supply means and the
interlock mechanism includes an actuating member which is engaged
by the supply means.
7. The replenisher system of claim 6 wherein each supply means
comprises:
(a) a container having a lower surface which engages the surface of
the support, the lower surface having a plurality of spaced
openings;
(b) a plurality of chemical-containing vessels disposed within the
container and positioned in alignment with the openings; and
(c) first and second actuating members disposed on the lower
surface and spaced from each other.
8. A mixing system developer chemicals and fixed chemicals with
water to produce fixer and developer solutions for a film
processor, comprising:
(a) a plurality of fixer chemical supply units, each comprising a
portable container within which a plurality of vessels are
disposed, each vessel providing a predetermined quantity of a fixer
chemical;
(b) a plurality of developer chemical supply units, each comprising
a portable container within which a plurality of vessels are
disposed, each vessel providing a predetermined quantity of a
developer chemical;
(c) a plurality of mixing units for mixing the chemicals with
water, each mixing unit including:
(i) a tank structure for supporting a supply unit;
(ii) water input means for directing water under pressure to the
tank structure;
(iii) a chemical release assembly operated by the water for
releasing chemical from the vessels of the supply unit to the tank
structure; and
(iv) control apparatus for operating the chemical release assembly
and the water input means to provide a predetermined volume of
mixed solution within the tank structure; and
(d) the control apparatus of a plurality of like mixing units being
interconnected for successively actuating the chemical release
assemblies and water input means to provide and maintain
concurrently one tank structure having a predetermined volume of
fixer solution and another tank structure having a predetermined
volume of developer solution, the tank structures supporting like
chemical supply units having connected outlets.
9. The mixing system of claim 8 wherein:
(a) the control apparatus of each system includes supply indicator
means secured to each mixing unit for engagement with the container
to indicate when the vessels contain a predetermined quantity of
chemical;
(b) a float switch mechanism is disposed within the tank structure
to indicate the volume of mixed solution within the tank structure;
and
(c) a solenoid is coupled to the indicator means and the float
switch mechanism to operate the water input means.
10. The mixing system of claim 9 wherein each chemical release
assembly comprises a piercer assembly coupled to the water input
means for piercing the vessels in response to the introduction of
water from the water input means.
11. The mixing system of claim 10 wherein each chemical supply unit
and associated mixing unit includes an interlock mechanism which
allows only a fixer chemical supply unit to actuate a fixer
chemical unit and a developer chemical supply unit to actuate a
developer chemical mixing unit. .[.12. A method of mixing fluids in
a reservoir, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a first fluid supply in communication with the
reservoir under the influence of gravity;
(b) disposing a fluid release assembly intermediate the first fluid
supply and the reservoir;
(c) providing a second fluid supply in communication with the
reservoir, the fluid release assembly being disposed intermediate
the second fluid supply and the reservoir;
(d) sensing the presence of a predetermined amount of fluid in the
first fluid supply and in the reservoir; and thereafter
(e) introducing fluid from the second fluid supply to the
reservoir, the flow of the second fluid actuating the fluid release
assembly to introduce fluid from the first fluid supply to the
reservoir..]. .[.13. The method of claim 12, further including the
step of agitating the fluids in the tank..]. .[.14. The method of
claim 13, wherein the step of agitating comprises directing the
second fluid into the reservoir as a rapidly moving stream..].
.[.15. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of introducing
fluid from the second fluid supply is conditioned upon the mixed
solution in the reservoir being below a first, predetermined level
and upon the first fluid supply containing a predetermined volume
of fluid..]. .[.16. The method of claim 15, further including the
step of continuing the introduction of the second fluid into the
reservoir until the mixed solution has reached a second,
predetermined level..]. .[.17. The method of claim 12, wherein the
step of providing a first fluid supply includes:
(a) disposing a first fluid in a vessel; and
(b) positioning the vessel overlying the reservoir..]. 18. .[.The
method of claim 17, wherein the step of providing a first fluid
supply also includes:.]. .Iadd.A method of mixing fluids in a
reservoir, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a first fluid supply in communication with the
reservoir under the influence of gravity; including:
i. disposing a first fluid in a vessel;
ii. positioning the vessel overlying the reservoir;
.[.(a).]. .Iadd.iii. .Iaddend.disposing a container above the
reservoir, the container having a plurality of openings; and
.[.(b).]. .Iadd.iv. .Iaddend.inserting a plurality of vessels into
the container, each vessel being disposed adjacent an
opening.[...]..Iadd.;
(b) disposing a fluid release assembly intermediate the first fluid
supply and the reservoir;
(c) providing a second fluid supply in communication with the
reservoir, the fluid release assembly being disposed intermediate
the second fluid supply and the reservoir;
(d) sensing the presence of a predetermined amount of fluid in the
first fluid supply and in the reservoir; and thereafter
(e) introducing fluid from the second fluid supply to the reservoir
only if the predetermined amount of fluid in the supply is present,
the flow of the second fluid actuating the fluid release assembly
to introduce fluid from the first fluid supply to the reservoir.
.Iaddend. .[.19. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of
introducing fluid from the second fluid supply is conditioned upon
the vessel having a predetermined volume of
fluid..]. 20. .[.The method of claim 17 further including the step
of.]. .Iadd.A method of mixing fluids in a reservoir, comprising
the steps of:
(a) providing a first fluid supply in communication with the
reservoir under the influence of gravity, including:
i. disposing a first fluid in a vessel;
ii. positioning the vessel overlying the reservoir;
iii. .Iaddend.piercing the vessel to release the first fluid into
the reservoir.[...]..Iadd.;
(b) disposing a fluid release assembly intermediate the first fluid
supply and the reservoir;
(c) providing a second fluid supply in communication with the
reservoir, the fluid release assembly being disposed intermediate
the second fluid supply and the reservoir.
(d) sensing the presence of a predetermined amount of fluid in the
first fluid supply and in the reservoir; and thereafter
(e) introducing fluid from the second fluid supply to the reservoir
only if the predetermined amount of fluid in the first fluid supply
is present, the flow of the second fluid actuating the fluid
release assembly to introduce fluid from the first fluid supply to
the reservoir. .Iaddend.
The method of claim 20, wherein the step of piercing comprises
advancing a piercer assembly into engagement with the vessel to
puncture the vessel, the piercer assembly advancing in responce to
flow of the
second fluid. 22. In an X-ray film developing system, a method of
mixing and maintaining a predetermined volume of mixed film
developing and fixing solutions, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a plurality of mixer units having commonly connected
output lines, each unit having a storage tank of the predetermined
volume;
(b) providing a prepackaged amount of a first fluid constituent for
each mixer unit;
(c) supplying a second fluid constituent under pressure to each
mixer unit;
(d) introducing a predetermined volume of the second fluid
constituent into the storage tank of each mixer unit and
introducing the prepackaged amount of the first fluid constituent
into the storage tank for mixing with the second fluid
constituent;
(e) depleting the mixed solution in each storage tank to a
predetermined level; and
(f) activating a second mixer unit to introduce into its storage
tank a predetermined volume of the second fluid constituent and a
prepackaged
amount of the first fluid constituent. 23. The method of claim 22,
including the step of activating in succession additional mixer
units so that the volume of solution in at least one mixer unit
stays above the
predetermined level. 24. A mixing system for mixing first and
second fluids to produce a mixed solution, comprising:
(a) first fluid supply means for providing a predetermined quantity
of the first fluid; and
(b) mixing means coupled to the first fluid supply means for mixing
the first fluid with the second fluid to produce the mixed
solution, the mixing means including:
(i) a reservoir for storing the mixed solution;
(ii) second fluid supply means for directing the second fluid under
pressure to the reservoir;
(iii) a release assembly for releasing the first fluid into the
reservoir;
(iv) support structure for supporting the first fluid supply means,
the support structure including a surface having openings through
which the release assembly operates and through which the first
fluid is supplied to the reservoir; and
(v) a spray head in communication with the second fluid supply
means and disposed adjacent the support structure to rinse the
support structure
with the second fluid. 25. The mixing system of claim 24, further
including control apparatus for operating the second fluid supply
means to introduce the second fluid to the spray head substantially
coincidentally with the actuation of the release assembly, thereby
effecting premixing of the first and second fluids prior to their
introduction into the
reservoir. 26. The mixing system of claim 24, further including an
agitator assembly disposed within the reservoir to agitate the
first and
second fluids. 27. The mixing system of claim 26, wherein the
agitator assembly is in communication with the second fluid supply
means and introduces the second fluid into the reservoir to cause
the mixed fluids
to swirl. 28. In a fluid mixing system for mixing first and second
fluids in a reservoir, the system having a supply structure
including a vessel in fluid communication with the reservoir for
supplying the first fluid to the reservoir, a displaceable fluid
release assembly disposed .Iadd.below the vessel .Iaddend.within
the reservoir and including a tubular member, the tubular member
having a pointed end portion for piercing the vessel and releasing
the first fluid, the end portion including a tip, a slicing edge
portion, and a fold-over edge portion, the tip and slicing portions
providing cutting edges to sever a portion of the vessel to form a
discharge opening, the fold-over portion providing inefficient
slicing to fold the severed portion to permit the severed portion
to remain connected to the vessel by a link, whereby the first
fluid is permitted to drain through the discharge opening .Iadd.and
through the tubular member .Iaddend.into the reservoir without the
severed portion becoming entrained
in the fluid flow. 29. The fluid mixing system of claim 28,
wherein:
(a) the cutting edge of the slicing portion of each tubular member
is inclined at a first, acute angle with respect to the
longitudinal axis of the member when viewed from the side;
(b) the edge of the fold-over portion of each tubular member is
inclined at a second, larger angle with respect to the longitudinal
axis of the member when viewed from the side; and
(c) each member when viewed from the front has a longitudinal slit
near the pointed end and circumferentially spaced from the apex of
the point for
minimizing coring of the pierced vessel. 30. A fluid mixing system
for mixing first and second fluids in a reservoir, the system
having a supply structure for supplying the first fluid to the
reservoir, and a fluid release assembly disposed within the
reservoir, the release assembly including a plurality of hollow
members to engage the supply structure to release the first fluid,
the release assembly also including:
(a) a cylinder; and
(b) a piston disposed within the cylinder and connected to the
hollow members, the piston being acted upon by the second fluid to
advance the
hollow members into engagement with the supply structure. 31. The
fluid mixing system of claim 30, wherein the cylinder includes an
exit port to permit a portion of the second fluid to flow to the
reservoir to agitate the fluid in the reservoir after the piston
has advanced a predetermined
distance. 32. The fluid mixing system of claim 30, further
including a rinse mechanism coupled to the release assembly and
disposed adjacent the supply structure and wherein the cylinder
includes a bypass to permit a portion of the second fluid to flow
to the rinse mechanism to premix the
fluids after the piston has advanced a predetermined distance. 33.
Film processing chemical mixing apparatus comprising:
(a) a chemical mixing structure defining developer and fixer mixing
chambers;
(b) a developer supply structure defining a plurality of volumes
each for containing a premeasured quantity of a different film
developer constituent, the constituents to be mixed to provide a
film developer solution;
(c) a fixer supply structure defining a plurality of volumes each
for containing a premeasured quantity of a different film fixer
constituent, the constituents to be mixed to provide a film fixer
solution;
(d) each of the supply structures being positionable selectively in
at least one predetermined dispensing orientation with respect to
the mixing structure;
(e) developer enabling means forming a part of the apparatus and
including portions forming parts of the chemical mixing and
developer supply structures, the developer enabling means enabling
the dispensing of developer constituents only when the developer
structure is in at least one predetermined dispensing
orientation;
(f) fixer enabling means forming a part of the apparatus and
including portions forming parts of the chemical mixing and fixer
supply structures, the fixer enabling means enabling the dispensing
of fixer constituents only when the fixer structure is in at least
one predetermined dispensing orientation; and
(g) dispensing means carried by at least one of the structures and
adapted to dispense developer and fixed constitutents from the
developer and fixer structures into the respective developer and
fixer mixing chambers when, but only when, enabled by the
appropriate one of the enabling means, whereby to prevent the
dispensing of fixer constituents into the developer mixing chamber
and developer constitutents into the fixer mixing chamber.
4. Film processing chemical mixing apparatus comprising:
(a) a chemical mixing assembly including structure defining
developer and fixer mixing chambers into which constituents of
developer and fixer are mixed, respectively;
(b) a developer supply structure defining a plurality of volumes
each for containing a premeasured quantity of a different film
developer constituent, the constituents to be mixed in the
developer mixing chamber to provide a film developer solution;
(c) a fixer supply structure defining a plurality of volumes each
for containing a premeasured quantity of a different film fixer
constituent, the constituents to be mixed in the fixer mixing
chamber to provide a film fixer solution;
(d) each of the supply structures being positionable selectively in
at least one predetermined dispensing orientation with respect to
the mixing structure;
(e) fixer and developer constituent dispensing means forming a part
of the apparatus and adapted to dispense developer and fixer
constituents from the developer and fixer structures into the
respective developer and fixer mixing chambers;
(f) a dispensing means actuation mechanism connected to the
dispensing means for actuating the dispensing means whenever the
dispensing of constituents is desired;
(g) coupling mechanism connected to at least one selected structure
for connection of the selected structure to a water supply for
supplying water for mixture with the constituents;
(h) means forming a part of the apparatus and adapted to cause
constituents and water dispensed into the mixing chambers to be
mixed to provide predetermined quantities of mixed fixer and
developer solutions for delivery to a film processor; and
(i) a delivery mechanism connected to the chemical mixing apparatus
for
delivery of mixed film processing chemicals. 35. Film processing
chemical mixing apparatus comprising:
(a) a chemical mixing structure defining developer and fixer mixing
chambers;
(b) the mixture structure including portions defining a space for
support of a developer supply structure of a type defining a
plurality of volumes each for containing a premeasured quantity of
a different film developer constituent;
(c) the mixture structure including portions defining a space for
support of a fixer supply structure of a type defining a plurality
of volumes each for containing a premeasured quantity of a
different film fixer constituent;
(d) condition-sensing means for sensing at least one chemical
volume condition and emitting a constituent delivery signal;
and
(e) dispensing means carried by at least one of the structures and
connected to the condition-sensing means, the dispensing means
being adapted to dispense developer and fixer constituents from the
developer and fixer structures into the respective developer and
fixer mixing chambers when, but only when, enabled by a constituent
delivery signal.
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the condition sensed is the
volume
of fluid in one of the fluid mixing chambers. 37. The apparatus of
claim 35 wherein the condition sensed is the presence of a supply
structure.
A method of dispensing film processing chemicals, comprising the
steps of:
(a) providing a chemical mixing structure defining developer and
fixer mixing chambers;
(b) providing a developer supply structure of a type defining a
plurality of volumes each for containing a premeasured quantity of
a different film developer constituent;
(c) providing a fixer supply structure of a type defining a
plurality of volumes each for containing a premeasured quantity of
a different film fixer constituent;
(d) providing a dispensing means carried by at least one of the
structures and adapted to dispense developer and fixer constituents
from the developer and fixer structures into the respective
developer and fixer mixing chambers;
(e) sensing at least one chemical volume condition; and
(f) emitting a constituent delivery signal to the dispensing means
in response to the sensed condition to permit the developer and
fixer
constituents to be dispensed. 39. The method of claim 38,
comprising the step of sensing the volume of fluid in any one of
the fluid mixing
chambers. 40. The method of claim 38, comprising the steps of
sensing the
presence of a supply structure. 41. A fluid mixing system,
comprising:
(a) a reservoir;
(b) a plurality of vessels comprising a first fluid supply, each
vessel containing fluid and adapted to release the contained fluid
into the reservoir;
(c) a piercer assembly disposed intermediate the first fluid supply
and the reservoir, the piercer assembly for piercing each vessel to
release the fluid contained therein into the reservoir;
(d) a second fluid supply in communication with the reservoir and
the piercer assembly, the flow of the second fluid controlling
operation of the piercer assembly; and
(e) a valve disposed intermediate the second fluid supply and the
reservoir
to control the flow of the second fluid. 42. The fluid mixing
system of claim 41 wherein the piercer assembly includes means for
rinsing portions
of the fluid mixing system with the second fluid. 43. A mixing
system for producing a developer solution and fixer solution used
in the processing of exposed X-ray film and having a developer
mixing unit for mixing a developer chemical with water and a fixer
mixing unit for mixing a fixer chemical with water, each mixing
unit comprising:
(a) a reservoir;
(b) a supply means including a vessel for storing a predetermined
amount of chemical and for providing the chemical to the
reservoir;
(c) water input means for directing water under pressure to the
reservoir and including control apparatus for controlling the flow
of the water;
(d) a chemical release structure for releasing the chemical from
the supply means into the reservoir and for directing the water
into the reservoir, the release structure being actuated by the
flow of water; and
(e) the control apparatus including a sensing means for engaging
the supply means to sense the presence or absence of a
chemical-containing vessel.
The mixing system of claim 43 wherein the supply means includes a
plurality of vessels, and the chemical release structure engages
the
vessels to release the chemicals. 45. The mixing system of claim 44
wherein the supply means additionally includes a portable container
within which the vessels are disposed, the container including a
plurality of openings disposed adjacent the vessels through which
chemical flows to the
reservoir, the container also engaging the sensing means. 46. A
fluid mixing system for mixing first and second fluids in a
reservoir, the system having a supply structure including a vessel
in fluid communication with the reservoir for supplying the first
fluid to the reservoir, the system comprising:
(a) a displaceable fluid release assembly disposed within the
reservoir and including a tubular member, the tubular member having
a pointed end portion for piercing the vessel and releasing the
first fluid, the end portion including a tip, a slicing edge
portion, and a fold-over edge portion;
(b) the tip and slicing portions providing cutting edges to sever a
portion of the vessel to form a discharge opening, the fold-over
portion providing inefficient slicing to fold the severed portion
to permit the severed portion to remain connected to the vessel by
a link; and
(c) the fluid release assembly being connected to a pressurized
supply of the second fluid and being advanced when in use in
response to flow of the
second fluid as the second fluid is introduced into the reservoir.
47. A fluid mixing system for mixing first and second fluids in a
reservoir, the system having a supply structure including a vessel
in fluid communication with the reservoir for supplying the first
fluid to the reservoir, the system comprising:
(a) a displaceable fluid release assembly disposed within the
reservoir and including a tubular member, the tubular member having
a pointed end portion for piercing the vessel and releasing the
first fluid, the end portion including a tip, a slicing edge
portion, and a fold-over edge portion;
(b) the tip and slicing portions providing cutting edges to sever a
portion of the vessel to form a discharge opening, the fold-over
portion providing inefficient slicing to fold the severed portion
to permit the severed portion to remain connected to the vessel by
a link; and
(c) the release assembly including:
(i) a tubular member-supporting assembly connected at one end to a
piston; and
(ii) a cylinder within which the piston reciprocates, the cylinder
being in fluid communication with the second fluid and the piston
being displaceable in response to the introduction of the second
fluid into the
cylinder. 48. A chemical replenisher system for an X-ray film
processor for mixing a selected one of developer or fixer chemical
with water to produce a solution to be dispensed to an X-ray film
processor, comprising:
(a) a tank structure;
(b) chemical supply means associated with the tank structure for
providing a predetermined quantity of prepackaged chemical;
(c) water input means connected to the tank structure for coupling
water under pressure to the tank structure;
(d) a chemical release structure associated with the supply means
to release the chemical to the tank structure;
(e) a control apparatus to control the operation of the chemical
release structure, the control apparatus including an interlock
mechanism actuated upon the presence of the proper supply means,
the interlock mechanism being actuated only when the proper supply
means is associated with the tank structure and the supply means
contains an unused supply of chemical.
9. The replenisher system of claim 48, wherein the control
apparatus further includes an indicator mechanism disposed within
the tank structure and connected to the control apparatus for
indicating the volume of solution in the tank structure, the water
input means being actuated only when the interlock mechanism
associated with the tank structure has been actuated and the
indicator mechanism indicates that the volume of solution
in the tank structure has decreased to a predetermined level. 50.
The replenisher system of claim 48 wherein the tank structure
includes a support surface which engages the supply means and the
interlock mechanism
includes an actuating member which is engaged by the supply means.
51. A mixing system for mixing film processing chemicals with water
to produce a mixed solution, comprising:
(a) a chemical supply means defining a plurality of volumes each
containing a predetermined quantity of chemical to be supplied;
(b) the supply means including a plurality of frangible diaphragms
each at the bottom of a different volume when the chemical supply
means is in use; and
(c) mixing means coupled to the chemical supply means for mixing
the chemicals with water to produce the mixed solution, the mixing
means including:
(i) a reservoir for storing the mixed solution;
(ii) water supply means for directing the water under pressure to
the reservoir;
(iii) a release assembly for releasing the chemicals into the
reservoir; and
(iv) support structure for supporting the chemical supply means,
the support structure including a surface having openings through
which the release assembly operates to break the diaphragms and
through which the
chemicals are supplied to the reservoir. 52. A mixing system for
mixing photographic chemicals and water in a reservoir, the system
having a supply structure including a plurality of vessels for
supplying the chemicals to the reservoir, and a fluid release
assembly disposed within the reservoir comprising:
(a) a plurality of hollow tubular members including portions
adapted to engage and pierce the supply structure to release the
chemicals;
(b) a cylinder; and
(c) a piston disposed within the cylinder and connected to the
hollow members, the piston being acted upon by .Iadd.the
.Iaddend.water under pressure to advance the hollow members into
engagement with the supply
structure. 53. The fluid mixing system of claim 52, wherein a water
supply is connected to the cylinder and wherein a selected one of
the water supply or the cylinder includes an exit port to permit a
portion of the
water to flow into the reservoir to agitate fluids in the
reservoir. 54. The fluid mixing system of claim 52, further
including a rinse mechanism coupled to the release assembly and
disposed adjacent the supply structure, wherein a water supply is
connected to the cylinder and wherein a selected one of the water
supply or the cylinder includes a bypass to
permit a portion of the water to flow to the rinse mechanism. 55.
Film processing chemical mixing apparatus comprising:
(a) a chemical mixing structure defining a mixing chamber;
(b) a chemical supply structure defining a plurality of volumes
each for containing a premeasured quantity of a different
processing chemical constituent, the constituents to be mixed to
provide a processing solution;
(c) the supply structure being positionable selectively in at least
one predetermined dispensing orientation with respect to the mixing
structure;
(d) enabling means forming a part of the apparatus and including
portions forming parts of the chemical mixing and chemical supply
structure, the enabling means enabling the dispensing of chemical
constituents only when the supply structure is in at least one
predetermined dispensing orientation; and
(c) dispensing means carried by at least one of the structures and
adapted to dispense constituents from the supply structure into the
mixing chamber when, but only when, enabled by the enabling means,
whereby to prevent the dispensing of the wrong chemical
constituents into the mixing chamber.
Film processing chemical mixing apparatus comprising:
(a) a chemical mixing assembly including developer and fixer mixing
chambers into which constituents of developer and fixer are mixed,
respectively;
(b) a developer supply structure including a plurality of bottles
each for containing a premeasured quantity of a different film
developer constituent, the constituents to be mixed in the
developer mixing chamber to provide a film developer solution;
(c) a fixer supply structure including a plurality of bottles each
for containing a premeasured quantity of a different film fixer
constituent, the constituents to be mixed in the fixer mixing
chamber to provide a film fixer solution;
(d) each of the supply structures being positionable selectively in
a predetermined dispensing orientation with the bottles inverted
over the mixing chambers;
(e) fixer and developer constituent dispensing means forming a part
of the apparatus and adapted to puncture bottle closing diaphragms
to dispense developer and fixer constituents from the developer and
fixer supply structures into the respective developer and fixer
mixing chambers;
(f) a dispensing means actuation mechanism connected to the
dispensing means for actuating the dispensing means whenever the
dispensing of constituents is desired;
(g) coupling mechanism for connecting the mixing assembly to a
water supply for supplying water for mixture with the
constituents;
(h) means forming a part of the apparatus and adapted to cause
constituents and water dispensed into the mixing chambers to be
mixed to provide predetermined quantities of mixed fixer and
developer solutions for delivery to a film processor; and
(i) a delivery mechanism connected to the chemical mixing apparatus
for
delivery of mixed film processing chemicals. 57. In a fluid mixing
system for mixing first and second fluids in a tank structure, the
system having a supply structure operably associated with the tank
structure for supplying the first fluid, the improvement comprising
an advanceable fluid release assembly mounted within the tank
structure and having one or more hollow members engaging the supply
structure for releasing the first fluid, the release assembly
having:
(a) a cylinder having walls which define a bore;
(b) a piston within the bore and being operable by the second fluid
for advancing the members into engagement with the supply
structure; wherein
(c) the cylinder defining the bore has a first portion with
relatively small cross-sectional dimension toward one end and a
second portion with a relatively larger cross-sectional portion
having at least one exit port in its walls to thereby provide
passage of the second fluid through the cylinder into the tank
structure.
Description
REFERENCE TO PATENT
"Film Processor," U.S. Pat. No. 3,418,913, issued Dec. 31, 1968 to
J. L. Snarr (the FILM PROCESSOR patent).
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus
for mixing fluids and more particularly relates to a chemical
mixing and dispensing system for mixing developer and fixer
solutions and then dispensing them to an X-ray film processor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When a medical diagnosis is accomplished with X-ray examination, it
is often desirable to complete the examination during a single
visit of a patient to a diagnostic X-ray room. Recall of a patient
to repeat or supplement an examination is undesirable for a number
of reasons. They include (a) time lost in obtaining the information
necessary for proper medical diagnosis where time can be of the
essence; (b) repetition of some procedures such as catheter
insertion can be dangerous; (c) patient discomfort which can be
quite acute if the patient is severely ill; and, (d) inefficient
utilization of X-ray equipment.
With modern medical diagnostic procedures it is not uncommon to
develop and preliminarily examine a radiograph while a patient
remains at an exposure station in a diagnostic X-ray room. This
permits the attending physician to be satisfied that a given X-ray
examination procedure has been successfully completed or
alternatively must, for some reason, be augmented by taking further
radiographs.
If radiographs are to be inspected while a patient remains at an
exposure station, fast film processing has come to be considered a
virtually necessary part of medical X-ray diagnostic procedures. To
achieve high rates of processing, film processors have been
developed which automatically process the exposed sheet of film by
mechanically feeding the sheet of film in sequence through the
baths of developer and fixer solutions, then washing and drying it.
The time required for completely processing a radiograph is of the
order of one-half minute or less. An improved film processor of
this type is described in the reference FILM PROCESSOR patent.
Chemicals which perform the developing and fixing are consumed by
use. With manual film processing, a skilled technician can
compensate for depletion in solution concentrations by retaining
films in the solutions for longer periods of time. With automatic
processors, on the other hand, processing times are substantially
constant and as a consequence, if solution concentrations are
allowed to become depleted, the inevitable result is poor
quality.
Accordingly, providing fast film processing of the requisite high
quality and at the high volumes which are often encountered in busy
hospitals depends on the provision of fresh, clean, and properly
mixed chemicals. As the sheets of the film are transported through
the baths, solution is carried away by the sheets and chemicals are
consumed. Thus, fresh chemicals are required if desired processing
quality is to be maintained and replenishment is a necessity.
With the processor of the FILM PROCESSOR patent, replenishing
quantities of developer and fixer solutions are supplied
automatically during processing of film on an as-needed basis.
The developer and fixer solutions have relatively short
shelf-lives; accordingly, it is desirable to mix the developer and
the fixer solutions (1) near the location of the film processor and
(2) at times immediately prior to the demand for them by the film
processor.
PRIOR ART
In hospitals and clinics it is quite common for an attendant to mix
the developer and fixer solutions manually. In this manual
procedure the operator pours measured amounts of the chemical
components and water into a mixing tank and then manually agitates
the solution.
Manual mixing procedures have several drawbacks. Errors in
proportioning the chemistry are common, resulting in mixed
solutions which produce film images of inferior quality. Manual
mixing is slow and messy and attendants dislike the task. In
addition, to avoid improper, or actual stoppage of, film processor
operation, an attendant must maintain vigilance over the supplies
of replenishment fluid in storage tanks to assure that the mixed
solutions in the tanks will not become depleted.
In an attempt to alleviate these problems, the prior art has
proposed chemical mixing systems which were intended to
automatically mix developer and fixer solutions in proper
concentrations and to dispense them to one or more film processors.
The proposed automatic mixing systems were attempts to assure that
the mixed solutions were fresh and did not become depleted before
new solution was prepared.
One proposed automatic mixing system for X-ray film processing
chemistry provided several reservoirs for holding chemical
concentrates. Each reservoir was connected to a water flow passage
through a venturi tube. Theoretically, as water flowed through the
venturi, a predetermined amount of each chemical concentrate would
be drawn into the water provide the and mixed to provide the
desired solution.
This venturi-type prior art mixing system did not consistently
provide results which were acceptable for clinical use, presumably
because the functioning of the venturi was excessively effected by
such variables as water flow rates and pressures, and the pressure
heads in the reservoirs. Accordingly, this proposal did not
consistently provide the required chemical proportions in the
processing solutions.
Another mixing and dispensing apparatus for photographic film
processing solutions has been proposed which was constructed
similarly to the described venturi system except that solenoid
operated valves replaced the venturi tubes. This system suffered
from deficiencies similar to those described for the venturi system
and was unable, reliably, to produce solutions of sufficiently
consistent concentrations over extended periods of time. Not only
did the opening and closing of the valves produce an error factor,
but the flow of chemical concentrate through each valve was not
sufficiently constant.
There have been other proposals for mixing and dispensing solutions
for applications having requirements differing from the X-ray film
processing. Some have been for high volume, commercial applications
where there is a steady demand for replenishment. These proposals
have not been suitable for clinical applications which require
small batches of solution at intermittent intervals. One proposed
high volume mixing system utilized a pair of large volume, mixing
and holding tanks for each final solution. The mixing tank provided
a large volume reservoir in which the chemicals and the water were
mixed. The holding or accumulator tank provided large volume
storage into which a complete batch of mixed solution was
transferred after mixing. The solution was dispensed from the
accumulator tank on a demand basis. As the solution was dispensed,
a new batch of solution was prepared in the mixing tank. After the
accumulator tank has emptied to a predetermined minimum level, it
was replenished from the mixed solution in the mixing tank.
The large volume tanks created problems. Pumps were usually
employed for transporting the solution between the mixing system
and the film processor. The large volume tanks tended to produce
unduly large and varying head pressures on the pumps. This was a
disadvantage which, unless special procedures, such as pressure
sensing switches and valves were employed, caused an uneven flow of
solution. As previously mentioned, an uneven flow would cause
variations in the strength of processing solutions, resulting in
films of inferior quality.
The large volume tanks used in these high volume automatic mixing
systems, in order to accommodate consistently high replenishment
requirements, are simply unsuitable for many clinical applications.
Clinical replenishment requirements vary both from one hospital to
another and from day to day. There is, accordingly, a large
variation in the number and size of the radiographs required for
any given time period.
To meet the possibility that the frequency at which radiographs are
produced may be high, a chemical mixing system suitable for
clinical use must have the capability to replenish at a high rate.
On the other hand, low and intermittent usages of radiographic film
processors is common resulting in periods when there is little or
no demand for replenishment of solution. Mixed solution gradually
degrades in quality due to oxidization. This oxidation changes the
chemical composition of the solution and results in the production
of films of inferior quality. Accordingly, where usage is low or
intermittent, it is desirable to have only minimum volumes of mixed
replenishment solution.
Thus, for clinical use, a chemical mixing system must have the
capability to produce large volumes of replenishment solution on
demand, but also should mix sufficiently small volumes of the
replenishment fluid at any one time so that only a minimum amount
of fluid is allowed to stand during periods of nonuse.
PRIOR DEVELOPMENT
In an attempt to overcome the above-noted problems, my co-workers
and I built a chemical mixer dispenser which semiautomatically
supplied developer and fixer solutions to a film processor. This
mixer dispenser automatically supplied water, but required the
manual addition of chemical concentrate. After building ten units,
we placed them in hospitals and clinics without charge for field
testing. We monitored their operation throughout the tests. The
units were generally short-lived as we allowed them to run to
destruction usually without replacement of parts. U.S. Pat.
application Ser. No. 349,920 was filed on Apr. 11, 1973 covering
this semiautomatic system, but it was abandoned on July 12,
1974.
In this semiautomatic system, a relatively large mixing tank and a
smaller gravity-fed holding tank were provided for each solution to
be mixed and fed to the processor. The mixing tank directly fed
into the holding tank by a connecting valve. When the solution had
been depleted from the mixing tank causing the level of the
solution in the holding tank to drop slightly, a pressure sensitive
switch in the holding tank automatically initiated a mixing cycle.
At the beginning of the mixing cycle the connecting valve was
closed to isolate the mixing tank from the holding tank. Another
solenoid valve then opened to admit water to the mixing tank until
a predetermined level was reached. At this level a pressure
sensitive switch closed the water supply valve. At this time the
operator had to manually add the proper quantity of chemical
concentrate. After the chemical concentrate had been added, another
pressure sensitive switch reopened the water supply valve to admit
additional water to the mixing tank. Only if the proper type and
amount of concentrate had been added would the additional water
provided a mixed solution of the proper concentrations.
The patent application disclosed the feature that a pair of these
units could be ganged together to provide an expanded capacity
system. This feature, however, although dislosed as being possible,
was not used on the ten field tested units.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the above-noted and other problems
by providing an automatic fluid mixing system which is ideal for
clinical application. The system is automatically operated to mix a
fresh, relatively small volume, batch of solution only when an old
batch is nearly depleted to minimize oxidation of the solution.
Fail-safe operation causes inactivation of the system upon either
mechanical or electrical malfunction.
The fluid mixing system of this invention is comprised of at least
one mixing unit which includes a reservoir defining tank structure
for mixing water with developer or fixer concentrate. A fluid
supply structure is associated with the tank structure for
supplying the concentrate, and a water input mechanism is provided
for coupling a pressurized source of water to the tank structure.
The mixing unit further includes a fluid release assembly
associated with the tank structure and operated by the admission of
water under pressure into the tank structure. This releases a
premeasured quantity of concentrate and water into the reservoir.
Operation of the fluid release assembly to release the concentrate
only when the water is admitted into the tank structure is an
outstanding feature of the invention and provides fail-safe and
reliable operation.
The mixing unit includes a control apparatus which is responsive to
the concentrate in the supply structure and to the volume of mixed
solution within the reservoir. The control apparatus operates the
water input mechanism and the fluid release assembly upon two
conditions: (1) when the fluid supply structure contains a
prepackaged amount of the concentrate, and (2) when the volume of
mixed solution in the reservoir has become depleted to a predefined
minimum volume.
The control apparatus is comprised of a fluid presence indicator
and a fluid level indicator for respectively indicating these
conditions. The indicators also indicate when the prepackaged
amount of the concentrate has been released into the tank structure
and when a predetermined volume of water has been admitted to the
reservoir for terminating further water input.
In the preferred embodiment, the fluid mixing system includes a
pair of similarly constructed mixing units of the described type.
The units produce a developer solution and a fixer solution in
their respective reservoirs for dispensing to a radiographic film
processor on a demand basis.
The fluid supply structure of each unit includes one or more
bottles housed in a container for supplying prepackaged quantities
of constituent chemicals of the respective fixer and developer
solutions. Each bottle includes a membrane or septum over its
mouth, which is pierceable to release the bottle contents. One of
the outstanding features of the invention is in the provision of
nonreusable or reusable containers which are interchangeable. The
user has the option of using prepackaged disposable cartons which
may be mounted directly in the mixer for dispensing the contents of
bottles in the carton or alternatively loading bottles into a
reusable plastic carrier that mounts on the mixer. Each type of
container has a base which defines a set of apertures for receiving
the respective bottles and allowing access to the septums. As
another feature, the base is specially configured for cooperating
with the control apparatus for preventing inadvertent and undesired
mixing cycles.
The tank structure of each unit includes a lower housing which
defines a reservoir having an output orifice connected to the film
processor. The tank structure also includes an upper housing and a
container support structure which is supported by the upper housing
for supporting the chemical container. The containers support
structure has a recessed upper surface which defines a set of
apertures each of which is aligned with a different one of the
container apertures. These apertures allow the fluid release
assembly to have access to the respective septums for draining the
chemicals into the reservoir.
The fluid input mechanism of each unit is a solenoid operated water
valve assembly mounted on the upper housing. This mechanism
introduces water under pressure to the fluid release assembly in
response to actuation of the control apparatus.
The fluid release assembly of each unit is a piercer assembly which
is powered by water pressure. The piercer assembly controllably
pierces the respective septums and also admits the water under
pressure into the reservoir. The piercer assembly includes support
and guide structure mounted within the upper housing, and a drive
and water output subassembly coupled to receive water under
pressure from the valve assembly.
A piercing subassembly is provided which is advanced by the drive
subassembly under direction of the support and guide structure when
water is allowed through the valve assembly. The piercing
subassembly is guided to engage and pierce the bottle septums for
draining the chemicals into the reservoir of the tank
structure.
The drive and water output subassembly includes a cylinder and a
piston. The piston is connected to the piercing subassembly and is
reciprocal within the cylinder. The cylinder has an outer structure
which defines an outlet port. Water is sprayed through the port
under pressure into the reservoir after the piston has been
advanced for releasing the chemicals. The pressurized spray
facilitates proper agitation of the chemicals and the water.
The fluid level indicator of the control apparatus has a pivotally
mounted float mechanism, and a float switch operated by the float
mechanism. The fluid presence indicator includes a container switch
which is actuated only when a container having the prepackaged
quantity of chemical concentrates is placed on the container
support structure. The solenoid of the water valve assembly is
operated in response to the respective states of the float and
container switches. The solenoid is energized when the container
switch indicates a full supply of the concentrate is available and
when the float switch indicates that the reservoir has been
depleted of solution to a predefined minimum level. The solenoid is
de-energized when the container switch indicates that the supply of
chemical concentrate has been released and when the float switch
indicates that an amount of water has been admitted into the
reservoir to precisely produce a new batch of solution.
A pilot light and a warning buzzer are provided which are operated
by the control apparatus. The light and buzzer respectively
indicate: (1) that the bottles have been emptied, and (2) that the
bottles have been emptied and the volume of mixed solution in the
reservoir has fallen to the predefined minimum level.
A feature of the two unit mixing system is an interlocking
arrangement which allows the developer mixing unit to be actuated
only by a developer chemical supply and allows the fixer mixing
unit to be actuated only by a fixer chemical supply. Each mixing
unit has two possible locations for the container switches. A first
location is dedicated for use with a developer mixing unit, and a
second location is reserved for a fixer mixing unit. An
interlocking boss is selectively positioned on or moulded on the
base of the corresponding container to allow only the proper
chemical supply container, when placed on its support structure, to
actuate the respective container switch.
Another feature of the invention is a pair of rinse mechanisms
coupled to the piercer assembly. These mechanisms rinse the
recessed upper surface of the container support structure and
initiate premixing of the chemicals and the water. Two spray heads
are positioned on the container support structure to direct
pressurized sprays onto the upper surface. The sprays mix with the
chemicals and drain into the reservoir through the apertures in the
upper surface.
Still another feature of the invention is the versatile design
which allows a plurality of mixers which mix the same type of
solution to be operated in sequence to provide a system of expanded
capacity. The control apparatus and the reservoir outlets of the
mixers of identical solutions are respectively interconnected.
Fresh batches of solution are mixed in succession in the reservoirs
of the respective units only when a previous batch has been
depleted and pumped to the film processor. The pilot lights on the
units are electrically connected to indicate when each container
has been substantially emptied. The warning buzzer of the unit last
in the operating sequence is electrically connected to continuously
buzz after all containers have been emptied and after the reservoir
of the last unit has been depleted. The expanded capacity system
allows unusually long periods of fail-safe operation with minimum
human vigilance.
It is thus a general object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved mixing system for automatically mixing and
dispensing fluids.
Other objects, advantages, and a fuller understanding of the
invention may be obtained by referring to the following description
of a preferred embodiment when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1a is a schematic view of a film processor and a perspective
view of fluid mixing system constructed and arranged according to
the invention and connected to the processor;
FIG. 1b is a schematic view, on an enlarged scale with respect to
FIG. 1a, of a mixer unit which is used in the fluid mixing system
of FIG. 1a;
FIG. 2a is a perspective view of one type of container and
concentrate bottles used in the fluid mixing system of FIG. 1a;
FIGS. 2b and 2c are perspective and cross-sectional views of
another type of container used in the fluid mixing system of FIG.
1a;
FIGS. 2d-2e are cross-sectional views, and FIG. 2f is a bottom
view, of the container taken along the lines 2d--2d, 2e--2e, and
2f--2f in FIG. 2c; and
FIG. 2g is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 2g--2g in FIG.
2f.
FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of a mixing unit in the fluid
mixing system of FIG. 1a which shows the tank structure, the fluid
release assembly and part of the control apparatus;
FIG. 3b is a perspective view of the container support structure of
the mixing unit of FIG. 3a;
FIG. 4a is an end view of a piercer assembly which serves to
release concentrate from the bottles;
FIG. 4b is a side view, partly in section, of the piercer
assembly;
FIG. 4c is a perspective view showing the piercer assembly mounted
within the upper housing of the tank structure;
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a control circuit used in the
system of FIG. 1a;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a multiunit-fluid mixing
system;
FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a control circuit used in the
multi-unit fluid mixing system of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In FIG. 1a a fluid mixing system is shown generally at 10. The
system 10 is connected to a schematically illustrated X-ray film
processor 12. The fluid mixing system 10 mixes and dispenses a
fixer solution and a developer solution used by the film processor
12 in processing exposed sheets of film.
As shown schematically, the film processor 12 includes a film
feeder 14 into which a collection of the exposed sheets of X-ray
film is inserted for processing. The film is fed in a manner
described in the referenced FILM PROCESSOR patent through
developer, fixer, and rinse tanks 18, 20, 22, respectively. The
processor 12 also includes a dryer 24 for completing the film
processing.
Fluid pumps 26a, 26b are coupled to the developer and fixer tanks
18, 20 and to the mixing system 10. The pumps 26a, 26b supply the
tanks 18, 20 with developer and fixer solutions from the mixing
system 10 for maintaining the strength and volume of the solutions
in the tanks 18, 20 as they are depleted during the processing of
the film. A water line 27 supplies water to the rinse tank 22 and
to the mixing system 10.
The fluid mixing system 10 is comprised of a developer mixing unit
28 for mixing and dispensing the developer solution to the
developer tank 18, and a fixer mixing unit 30 which mixes and
dispenses the fixer solution to the fixer tank 20. A base 32 is
provided for supporting the developer and fixer mixing units 28,
30.
THE DEVELOPER MIXING UNIT 28
The developer mixing unit 28 is schematically illustrated in FIG.
1b. The mixing unit 28 uses a developer chemical supply 34 which
includes containers of chemicals which, when diluted with water,
produce the developer solution. The unit 28 includes a tank
structure 36 which supports the developer chemical supply 34. The
tank structure defines a reservoir 37 under the chemical supply 34
in which the developer solution is mixed.
A water input mechanism 38 is connected to the tank structure 36
for coupling a source of pressurized water to the tank structure 36
to provide a source of pressurized water for the reservoir. A fluid
release assembly 40 is disposed in the tank structure and is
coupled to the water input mechanism 38. The fluid release assembly
40 is operated by water under pressure to release the developer
chemicals and allow them to flow into the reservoir 37.
A control apparatus 42 is also disposed within the tank structure
36. The control apparatus 42 functions to operate the water input
mechanism 38 and the fluid release assembly 40.
Conditioned upon (1) the developer chemical supply 34 having a
predetermined amount of the containerized developer chemical, and
(2) the developer solution within the reservoir 37 falling to a
predetermined level, the control apparatus 42 operates the water
input mechanism 38 to actuate of the fluid release assembly and
introduce a fresh supply of water into the reservoir.
Operating the release assembly 40 with water which is introduced
only upon the actual introduction of water through the mechanism 38
is a feature which provides fail-safe operation. If the control
apparatus 42 malfunctions or if pressure in the water line 27 is
low, the mixing unit 28 will not operate. This substantially
eliminates chances for mixing improper concentrations of the
solution.
THE CHEMICAL SUPPLY 34
One arrangement of the developer chemical supply 34 is shown in
FIGS. 1b and 2a. One or more inverted vessels in the form of
bottles 44 are supported within a container in the form of a carton
46. For purposes of illustration, three associated bottles of
conventional three-part developer chemical are shown. Two of the
bottles are of a relatively small size, and the third bottle is of
a relatively larger size.
Each bottle 44 is plastic and has a neck 45 of a preselected necks
45. The configurations preferably are of different sizes and
coordinate with the carton 46 for assuring the insertion of the
proper assortment of bottles into each carton 46. A protecting cap
48 covers a thin, centrally located, mouth-sealing septum 50. Each
septum is sealed to the neck of its bottle. The cap may or may not
have a central aperture (as shown in FIG. 2a, it has an aperture).
The septum 50 is pierceable through an apertured cap or after
removal of a nonapertured cap 48 to release the developer chemical
contained in the bottle 44.
The carton 46 is constructed to enable it to rest securely on top
of the tank structure 36 and to securely position the bottles 44 in
inverted, aligned relation to the fluid release assembly 40. As
shown in FIG. 2a, the carton 46 is comprised of an elongated outer
support structure 52 having a handle 52a at one end for
facilitating carriage. A base insert 53 is secured to and recessed
within the end of the outer support structure 52 opposite the
handle 52a. The base 53 is suitably secured by stapling. A flange
54 is defined by the periphery of the base 53 and the structure 52.
A pair of partition members 55 are disposed within the outer
support structure 52. The partition members 55 define three
chambers within the outer support structure 52 into which the
bottles 44 are inserted. The partition members 55 also define an
abutment for securing the smaller bottles 44 in engagement with the
base 53.
The base 53 defines a set of carton apertures 56 each of a diameter
larger than that of the caps 48. This permits the necks 45 to
project through the apertures 56. The flange 54 is of sufficient
depth to prevent the necks 45 from extending beyond the plane
defined by the lower edge of the flange 54. This configuration
facilitates storage and handling by enabling the carton 46 to rest
on any flat surface without the projecting ends of the bottles 44
or their septums touching the surface.
An outstanding feature of the invention is that the container may
be either reusable or disposable. The cartons 46 are disposable and
are sealed before delivery to the user with the bottles 44 in
place. An inexpensive container material, such as treated
cardboard, is used for the container. This material is usually not
durable and is not suitable for reuse due to wetting by the fluid
during a mixing cycle.
The reusable containers are injected molded plastic carriers 46',
FIG. 2b. The carriers 46' are made of separable sections 47a, 47b
and 47c to allow the replacement of emptied bottles after a mixing
cycle. With reusable containers, the system attendant merely
disassembles or opens the container and inserts new bottles of
fresh fluids.
The structure of the reusable plastic carrier is functionally
similar to the carton depicted in FIG. 2a insofar as its coaction
with the mixing unit is concerned. As shown in FIGS. 2b-2g, the
reusable container includes a plurality of interlocking, stacked
and detachable sections 47a, 47b, 47c for removal and insertion of
the bottles 44. The sections 47a, 47b define apertures 49 that are
of differing sizes and configurations to coordinate with the
differing sizes and configurations of the associated bottles 44.
This assures that the bottles 44 are inserted properly, into the
reusable container, and prevents fixer concentrate from being
inserted into the developer supply 34 and vice versa.
The construction and shape of the section 47b is a feature of the
invention in that it may be used, with only slight modifications,
as the middle section 47b for either the fixer supply 34a or the
developer supply 34. Accordingly, only a single injection mold is
needed for manufacturing the section 47b. If desired, dye may be
injected into the mold during the molding process for color coding
the section 47b and thereby facilitating identification of the type
of supply 34 with which the section 47b is to be used.
The section 47b includes upper and lower lateral surfaces 200, 202
which respectively are enclosed by the sections 47c and 47a. The
lateral surface 200 has its apertures 49 in unique sizes and shapes
to accommodate the bottles 44 of one type of supply 34, and the
surface 202 has its apertures 49 of unique sizes and configurations
to accommodate the other type of supply 34. A metal strap 199 is
fastened over the center aperture 49 for supporting the center
container 44.
In the illustrated container 46', the center aperture 49 in the
surfaces 200, 202 is of a relatively large rectangular shape to
receive a relatively large rectangularly shaped bottle of
concentrate (shown in phantom outline in FIG. 2c). The
corresponding aperture 49 in the other chemical supply 34a (not
shown) is of a generally round shape so that the respective bottles
44 cannot be interchanged. During manufacture, in order to use a
single injection mold to form the sections 47b, for both fixer and
developer supplies, these center apertures 49 are separately cut
after the injection process according to the particular type of
supply being manufactured. The other apertures 49 are formed by the
mold.
After the center aperture 49 has been cut, the section 47a is
riveted to the section 47b, for covering one of the surfaces 200,
202, leaving the other surface 202, 200 (according to the type of
supply) for receiving the bottles 44.
The section 47a has a recessed base 53' which provides a flange
portion 54'. The base 53' defines apertures 56', all of which are
recessed within the flange portion 54'. The apertures 56' have an
inside diameter d which is larger than the mouth of the bottles 44,
but which is smaller than the caps 50. Each aperture has a lip 203
against which the mouth of the bottle 44 abuts when the sections
47a, 47b, 47c are fastened together. With this configuration, the
sections 47a, 47b, 47c can be fastened together only if the caps 50
are removed from the bottles 44. For this container, nonapertured
caps are preferred, and the described size of the apertures 56'
assures that the caps will be removed before loading of the
container 46' is completed, and before it is placed on the
particular mixing unit.
A snap latch 204 is provided for latching the sections 47b, 47c
together. Only if the caps 50 have been removed from the bottles 44
will the section 47a fit securely on the section 47b to allow the
latches 204 to close. The latches 204 are selectively disposed an
offset distance from center of the longitudinal axis of the
sections 47a, 47b, 47c. They are displaced on one side of center
for the illustrated type of supply 34 and are displaced on the
other side of center for the other type of supply 34a, as
exemplified by the phantom arrow 205 in FIG. 2f. This assures that
a developer section 47c is not placed on a fixer section 47b and
vice versa.
A carrying handle 206 is secured on each long side of the section
47b. This allows the loaded reusable container 46' to support the
bottles 44 along their longitudinal axis during transport. This
minimizes the amount of pressure placed on the latches 204 when the
container 46' is being transported.
THE TANK STRUCTURE
The tank structure 36 is shown in detail in FIG. 3a. The structure
has a support housing formed of lower and upper portions 60a, 60b.
A container support structure 62 is provided which is removably
supported by the upper housing portion 60b. The upper housing
portion 60b also supports the fluid release assembly 40 and mounts
the water input mechanism 38 as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b.
The lower housing portion 60a defines the reservoir 37 in which the
developer chemical and water are mixed. The portion 60a also
supports an outlet fitting 57 and an overflow 58. A tee connector
59 is secured to the fitting 57 and has an output port coupled for
transmitting solution to the system 12. A hose 61 is coupled to the
other port of the connector 59 to allow an auxiliary extraction
from the mixing unit.
In the preferred embodiment the reservoir 37 has a five-gallon
capacity. The five-gallon capacity has proven to provide a
practical minimizing of oxidation of the solution since it has been
found to be the smallest quantity that is practical to meet
clinical demands. Since it is the smallest practical quantity it
minimizes the number of time periods during which any given mixed
quantity of solution stands unused.
Referring to FIG. 3b, the container support structure 62 is
preferably in the form of a hood having a recessed upper surface 64
which engages the container flange 54. Pairs of seats 63 are
positioned on adjoining walls at each corner of the upper surface
64 for guiding and firmly securing the container 46 in proper
aligned position slightly elevated above the surface 64.
The upper surface 64 defines a pair of bosses 65. One of the bosses
has a plunger-receiving bore 65a to permit a container-sensing
apparatus which will be described presently to respond to a
positioned container. The upper surface 64 also defines a set of
three fluid supply apertures 66. The fluid supply apertures 66
correspond to and are aligned with the apertures 56 of a positioned
one of the containers 46. The fluid supply apertures 66 provide
access to the septum 50 at the mouth of each bottle 44 for enabling
the fluid release assembly 40 to release the developer chemical
into the reservoir 37.
A selected one of the bosses 65 is provided with an open end which
allows only the developer chemical supply 34 access to actuate the
underlying control apparatus 42. This assures that the proper
chemicals will be mixed in the reservoir 37 and dispensed to the
film processing system 12.
THE WATER INPUT MECHANISM 38
The water input mechanism 38 underlies the support structure 62 and
is secured to the upper housing portion 60b. The mechanism 38 is
comprised of a water valve assembly 70 which is coupled to the
pressurized source by the water line 27. The water valve assembly
70 is operated by the control apparatus 42 for introducing the
pressurized water into the tank structure 36. A water line 74 is
coupled between the valve assembly 70 and the fluid release
assembly 40. The line 74 provides water for powering the fluid
release assembly 40 and for introducing water into the reservoir 37
through the release assembly 40.
An electrical box 76 is provided on the upper housing portion 60b.
The box 76 houses the water valve assembly 70 and portions of the
control apparatus 42.
THE FLUID RELEASE ASSEMBLY 40
A preferred embodiment of the fluid release assembly 40 is shown in
FIGS. 4a and 4b. The release assembly includes a movable piercer
assembly 80 having a piercing subassembly 82. A drive subassembly
84 is connected to the piercer subassembly to cause selective
movement of the piercer. The piercer is guided along a rectilinear
path by a support and guide structure 86. The piercing subassembly
82 is operable, when driven, to pierce the septum 50 of each
positioned bottle 44.
The movably supported piercing subassembly 82 has a set of three
tubular piercers 88 and piercer support 90. The piercers 88 are
supported in alignment with the fluid supply apertures 66 for
rupturing the septums 50.
Each of the piercers 88 is a metal tube having a pointed end
portion 94. The pointed end portion 94 is a feature which assures
piercing of the septums 50 without coring. This is advantageous
because coring could produce a severed piece of septum material
which could become lodged in one of the metal tubes and obstruct
drainage to the reservoir 37. A severed piece of septum can cause
other problems such as, passing into the reservoir 37 and plugging
the outlet 57.
The pointed end 94 of each piercer 88 is formed by a cut-away
section which defines a slicing edge portion 95a and a fold-over
edge portion 95b. The slicing portion 95a is the upper portion of
the piercer 88 and includes the tip. The fold-over portion 95b is
the lower portion of the section and defines the side of the
piercer 88 opposite the tip.
The slicing portion 95a is an efficient piercer and has an edge
which cleanly slices the septum 50. It is defined by an edge which
is formed at a relatively small angle with the axis of the piercer.
In the preferred embodiment this angle is thirty degrees from the
axis.
The fold-over portion 95b is an inefficient piercer which tends to
push, tear, and fold over the septum 50 without completely severing
a piece of the septum. The fold-over portion 95b is defined by an
edge which is formed at a larger angle to the tube axis than the
angle of the slicing portion 95a. In the preferred embodiment, the
angle of the fold-over portion is forty-five degrees.
A longitudinal slit 92 extends the length of each piercer 88 and
intercepts the fold-over portion 95b. The slit 92 is formed during
manufacture of each piercer 88, as the tube is formed by rolling a
flat sheet. The slit 92 assists in preventing coring of the septum
50 by guaranteeing that a link of septum remains connected between
the severed edge of the septum and the remaining septum.
The drive subassembly 84 has a hollow cylinder 96 which is secured
to the guide structure 86. A water-driven piston 98 is reciprocally
mounted in the cylinder 96 and is fixed to the rod 91. A connector
assembly 100 connects the cylinder 96 to the water line 74 for
introducting a piston-actuating supply of water into the cylinder
96.
The piston 98 includes a head portion 98a and a hollowed
cylindrical portion 98b which receives and is secured to the rod
91. As the piston 98 is advanced by water pressure from the
introduction of water through the input mechanism 38, the rod 91,
and thus the piercing subassembly 82 and the piercers 88 are
advanced for piercing the positioned septa.
The hollow cylinder 96 has a piston chamber composed of a lower,
cylindrically contoured, piston drive portion 96a and an upper,
flared, piston bypass portion 96b. The lower portion 96a cooperates
with the head 98a of the piston for defining a substantially
watertight seal so that the piercers are driven up forcefully when
water is first introduced through the connector assembly. The flare
of the upper portion 96b allows a bypass flow of water around the
head portion 98a when the piston 98 is advanced into the upper
portion 96b.
The cylinder 96 has an output port 102 and a set of rinse ports
104. The output port 102 is at the beginning of the flare of the
upper portion 96b and directs water into the reservoir 37 after the
piston 98 has been advanced beyond the port 102 and into the flared
upper portion 96b. The rinse ports 104 are in the upper portion 96b
and receive the water which bypasses the head 98a when the piston
98 is in the upper portion 96b.
The support and guide structure 86 includes four straps 105 secured
together in a generally rectangular configuration, as seen in FIG.
4c. The straps 105 are secured to the upper housing 60b. A pair of
guide posts 106 are secured to the straps 105, and a piece of
stainless channel 107 supports the guide posts 106 from the
cylinder 96. The guide posts 106 guide the piercer support 90 as it
is advanced by the piston 98. A plurality of threaded mounts 109
are securec to the straps 105 for mounting the structure 62 by
means of screws.
A rinse mechanism is mounted to the guide structure 86 and provides
one of the features of this invention. The rinse mechanism directs
water onto the recessed upper surface 64 of the container support
structure 62 for rinsing the surface 64 of chemicals and for
initiating premix of the chemicals with water. The rinse mechanism
comprises a set of spray heads 108 and a pair of hoses 110 coupling
the spray heads 108 to the rinse ports 104. The spray heads 108
extend from the support and guide structure 86 through spray head
apertures 108a formed through the container support 62.
An agitator assembly 112 is provided as a feature which facilitates
mixing. The agitator 112 directs the water introduced through the
output port 102 under pressure into a relatively rapid stream which
creates an agitating swirl within the reservoir 37. The agitator
assembly 112 includes a hose 114 coupled to the output port 102 and
a water jet mechanism 116 coupled to the hose 114 for producing the
fast-moving stream of water and creating the agitating swirl.
THE CONTROL APPARATUS 42 (FIGS. 1b, 3a and 5)
The control apparatus 42 includes a fluid-level indicator 120 for
indicating the volume of developer solution within the tank
structure 36, and a fluid-supply indicator 122 for indicating that
a predetermined amount of chemical is contained by the chemical
spray 34. A solenoid 124 is provided in the electrical box 76 for
operating the water-valve assembly 70. Electronic control circuitry
126 is also provided in the box 76 and is coupled to the indicators
120, 122 for operating the solenoid 124.
The control circuitry 126 operates the solenoid 124 to introduce
water into the tank structure 36 only upon the conditions that (1)
the volume of developer solution within the reservoir 37 is less
than a first predetermined value, preferably one quart, and (2) the
chemical supply 34 contains a predetermined amount of developer
chemical within the chemical container 46.
In the preferred embodiment, the fluid-level indicator 120 is a
float-switch mechanism which includes a pivotally mounted float 128
and a float switch 130 operated by the float 128. The float switch
130 is a two-position switch which is mounted within the box 76. An
actuator lever 131 extends from the switch 130 and outside the box
76 and is connected to the float mechanism 128.
As shown in FIG. 5, the float switch 130 includes an input terminal
132 and a pair of output terminals 133a, 133b which are selectively
connected to the input terminal 132 in response to positioning of
the actuator lever 131. When the actuator lever 131 is advanced due
to a "full" reservoir 37, the output terminal 133a is connected to
the input terminal 132. Conversely, an "empty" reservoir causes the
output terminal 133b to be connected to the input terminal 132.
The float mechanism 128 includes a rod 134 which is slidably
coupled through an aperture in the actuator lever 131. A pair of
solution-level-determining stops 136 are slidably supported on the
rod 134. The stops 136 engage and advance the lever 131 for setting
the state of the float switch 130 in accordance with a desired
level of solution within the reservoir 37. In the preferred
embodiment, the stops 136 are positioned to set the switch 130 into
an "empty state" to condition the water-valve assembly 70 to open
via the output terminal 133b when only one quart of solution
remains in the reservoir 37. The stops 136 are positioned to set
the switch 130 into a "full" state for closing the valve assembly
70 when approximately twenty-one quarts of solution are within the
reservoir 37.
In the preferred embodiment, the fluid-supply indicator 122
includes a two-state container switch 140 and a spring-loaded
plunger mechanism 142. The container switch 140 has a movable
actuator lever 141. The mechanism 142 includes a plunger 143 for
engaging the lever 141 and actuating the container switch 140.
As seen in FIG. 5, the switch 140 includes an input terminal 144
and a pair of output terminals 146a, 146b. The terminals 146a, 146b
are electrically connectable to the input terminal 144 in response
to movement of the plunger mechanism 142.
The plunger mechanism 142 is mounted on the upper portion 60b of
the support housing 60 for engagement with the container 46 of the
developer chemical supply 34. The spring loading of the plunger
mechanism 142 is correlated to the weight of the chemical supply 34
having a predetermined quantity of the developer chemical, i.e., a
full container of chemical. Whenever a full container is supported
by the container support structure 62, the plunger 143 is advanced
for actuating the container switch 140 into a "full" state,
indicating that the predetermined amount of chemical is available
for mixing. The "full" state of the container switch 140 conditions
the valve assembly 70 for opening.
After the bottles 44 have been emptied into the tank structure 36,
the spring bias overcomes the weight of the empty supply 34 to
cause the plunger 143 to be withdrawn. This actuates the container
switch 140 into an "empty" state representative of the
predetermined amount of the chemical being unavailable. As sensed
by the plunger mechanism 142, the chemical supply 34 having empty
bottles 44 is equivalent to the removal of the chemical supply 34
from the tank structure 36.
As seen in FIG. 3b, the hollowed boss 65 protectingly surrounds the
plunger 143, as an important safety feature. The boss 65 extends
from the upper surface 64 at least to the end of the plunger 143
and prevents inadvertent advancement of the plunger and resultant
inadvertant actuation of the piercer assembly 80.
Status indicators, including a warning buzzer 160 and a pilot light
162, are mounted to the front of the support structure 62 and
audibly and visually indicate the conditions of the float switch
130 and the container switch 140, respectively. When the container
switch 140 is in the "empty" state indicating that a full chemical
supply 34 is not present, the light 162 is energized. When the
container switch 140 is in the "empty" state concurrently with the
float switch 130 being in the "empty" state, the buzzer 160 is
energized. The energization is maintained until a container 46
having a fresh supply of chemical is positioned on the tank
structure 36.
The control circuitry 126 includes a latching relay 150 and
circuitry which couples the container switch 140, the float switch
130, the buzzer 160, the light 162, and the solenoid 124 to the
latching relay 150. Upon selected states of the switches 130, 140
the relay 150 latches "on" and operates the solenoid 124 for
directing water through the valve assembly 70 to the release
assembly 40.
The relay 150 has a switching input contact 152, a pair of
switching output contacts 154, 156, and a pair of energizing
terminals 158, 159. The input contact 152 is coupled to a first,
externally supplied reference potential L1. The pair of switching
output contacts 154, 156, are respectively coupled through the
warning buzzer 160 and through the water solenoid 124 to the output
terminal 133b of the float switch 130. The pair of energizing
terminals 158, 159 are respectively coupled to the output terminal
133b of the float switch 130 and to the output terminal 146a of the
container switch. The energizing terminal 159 is also coupled to
the switching output contact 156. The first reference potential L1
is also coupled to the input terminal 144 of the container switch
140, and a second reference potential L2 is coupled to the input
terminal 132 of the float switch 130. The pilot light 162 is
serially connected between the second reference potential L2 and
the terminal 146b of the container switch 140.
The solenoid 124 is operated by the control circuitry 126 to open
the water valve assembly 70 only upon the conditions that the
chemical supply 34 is full and the volume of solution in the
reservoir 37 falls to the one-quart "empty" level. Upon these
conditions the first reference potential L1 is coupled via the
container switch 140 to the actuator terminal 159 and to the water
solenoid 124. As soon as the volume of solution in the reservoir 37
falls to the one-quart level, the second reference potential L2 is
coupled via the float switch 130 to the water solenoid 124. This
completes the circuit through the solenoid 124 and causes it to
open.
The second reference potential L2 is also coupled via the float
switch 130 to the exciter terminal 158 for energizing the relay
150. This connects the first reference potential L1 to the actuator
terminal 159 and to the water solenoid 124. When the relay 150
energizes, it latches into the energized state due to the common
connection between the excitation terminal 159 and the switching
output terminal 156. This connection maintains energization of the
water solenoid 124 after the container switch 140 changes state and
until the float switch 130 changes to the "full" state.
When the container switch 140 changes to the "empty" state
indicative of the container 44 having released its chemicals, the
pilot light 162 is actuated. In this condition the water solenoid
124 remains excited via the latched contacts 152, 156.
When the float switch 130 changes to the "full" state indicating
that sufficient water has been introduced into the reservoir 37,
the voltage L1 is removed from the terminal 158 and from the
solenoid 124. This causes the relay 150 to return to its deactuated
state for deenergizing the solenoid 124 and closing the water valve
assembly 70.
After the processing system 12 has depleted the developer solution
within the reservoir 37 to the minimum one-quart level, the float
switch 130 returns to its "empty" state. This causes the buzzer 160
to be energized through the switching contacts 152, 154 and the
output terminal 133b of the float switch 130 if a full chemical
supply 34 has not been placed on the tank structure 36.
THE CONTAINER INTERLOCK
A pair of projecting, interlocking, flanged pins 170 of suitable
configuration are positioned in opposite corners of the base 53 of
the container 46. The pins extend to less than the depth of the
flange 54 to avoid their interference with storage of the carton.
One of the pins 170 is positioned to depress the plunger 143 of the
plunger mechanism 142 through the hollowed boss 65 when a full
supply 34 is positioned on the structure 62.
Use of the pins 170 in combination with the recessed plunger 143 is
an important feature which prevents inadvertent actuation of the
plunger mechanism 142.
The pins 170 are preferably individually attachable by spring clips
into holes provided in the base 53, but other configurations are
suitable. For example, the pins may be unitarily formed in the base
53.
The provision of interlocking pins 170 in opposite corners of the
base 53 assures that a developer chemical supply 34 will depress
the plunger 143 in either orientation of the supply. This feature
facilitates mounting a supply on the mixing unit because either end
of a supply may be toward the front.
As is seen in FIG. 3b the container support structure 62 defines a
spaced pair of the hollowed bosses 65. This is a feature which
allows a single support structure 62 to be utilized, upon a minimum
modification, for either the developer or the fixer mixing units.
One of the bosses 65 has an open end according to the type of the
mixing unit and corresponds to one of the pins 170. The plunger
mechanism 142 and the associated container switch 140 are
positioned in alignment with the one boss. The mechanism 142 and
the switch 140 are aligned under the one boss if the unit is a
developer mixing unit 28, and are aligned under the other boss 65
(which is then opened) if the unit is a fixer mixing unit 30. Thus,
the plunger 143 of a developer unit will be depressed only if a
developer, not a fixer, container is mounted on the unit.
THE FIXER MIXING UNIT 30
The construction and arrangement of the fixer mixing unit 30 is
similar to that of the developer mixing unit 28. Assuming that the
fixer chemical, like the developer chemical, is a three-part
chemical, the only structural difference between the developer and
the fixer mixing units 28, 30 is in the interface structure between
the chemical supply and the tank structure for enabling only a
fixer supply to activate a fixer tank structure. The position of
the open-ended boss 65 is reversed, as is the positioning of the
spring-loaded plunger mechanism 142 and the associated container
switch 140 in the tank structure 36. The interlocking pins 170 in
the base 53 are positioned in the other opposing corners to
correspond to the boss 65. It is understood that if other than a
three-part solution was utilized, the piercer assembly 80, the
number and spacing of the apertures 56, 66, and the numbers of
bottles 44 could all be modified to accommodate the particular
situation.
THE EXPANDED-CAPACITY SYSTEM
A feature of the mixing units is the ease with which a plurality of
like units are interconnected to provide and expanded-capacity
system. Several developer mixing units 28 are interconnected and
several fixer mixing units 30 are interconnected in a manner as
shown in FIG. 6. The outlets 57 of each developer tank structure 36
are connected; the outlets 57a of each fixer tank structure 36 are
connected; and the control circuits 126 are interconnected.
The interconnection of the control circuitry 126 in the expanded
capacity system is shown in FIG. 7. The switching output contact
154 of the first control circuit in the series is connected to the
switching input contact 152 of the next circuit and so forth. The
last circuit in series has the warning buzzer 160 connecting its
switching output terminal 154 to the output terminal 146b of the
container switch CSN. The input terminal 145 of the first container
switch CS1 is connected to the first reference potential L1. The
input terminals 145 of the other container switches are
respectively connected to the previous output terminal 146b. Each
pilot light 162 is coupled to the output terminal 146b of its
associated container switch. The remaining connections of the
respective relays 150, float switches 130, and water solenoids 160
are connected as shown with respect to FIG. 5 for a single mixing
unit.
In the expanded capacity system each developer solution and each
fixer solution is mixed in five-gallon batches, with the various
mixing units successively being actuated on a demand basis by the
interconnection of the control circuitry 126. A fresh five-gallon
batch is mixed as soon as the film processing system 12 depletes
the previously mixed batch to a one-quart "empty" level. As each
mixing unit releases its chemicals, the respective pilot light 162
is actuated indicating its chemical supply 34 is empty. The warning
buzzer 160 of the last unit is actuated when the last five-gallon
batch of the respective mixing units has been mixed and depleted to
the one-quart level. The warning buzzer 160 remains actuated until
a fresh chemical supply has been placed on one of the mixing
units.
It is also apparent that a single mixing unit, 28 or 30, could be
dedicated for mixing only the developer solution or the fixer
solution. A pair of the container support structures 62
corresponding to the particular solution are positioned over each
reservoir 37. The output orifices 57, 57a are directly coupled
together and to the film processing system 12. The control
circuitry is interconnected as shown in FIG. 7 for as many units
slaved together as desired. This embodiment has the advantage that
it offers to the attendant of the chemical mixing system his choice
of grouping in one locality all developer mixing units and grouping
all fixer mixing units in an adjacent locality. Extra stores of the
supply cartons may then conveniently be grouped near the respective
mixing units.
Although the invention has been described in preferred forms with a
certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present
disclosure of the preferred forms has been made only by way of
example. Numerous changes in the details of construction and
combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without
departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.
* * * * *